About

On 19 May 1798, Napoleon sailed from Toulon on his hazardous adventure to Egypt, capturing Malta on the way. On 1 August, Nelson sighted Alexandria, with its harbour full of shipping and French flags, although none were ships of the line. When 'Zealous', 74 guns, sighted the French battle fleet anchored in Aboukir Bay, 15 miles east of Alexandria, Nelson, as the Rear-Admiral aboard 'Vanguard', 74 guns, headed there and prepared his ships for action. This portrayal of the action is lit by the exploding French 'L'Orient', 120 guns, the French Vice Admiral Brueys's flagship, in starboard-quarter view, on the left of the picture, its vivid orange glow lighting up the night sky. The explosion happened at 10.00 pm and killed the Admiral and most of the ship's company.George Arnald